FAQs

  • The Arkansas LEARNS Act is a comprehensive legislative initiative aimed at enhancing educational outcomes for children across the state.

    It focuses on improving literacy, increasing access to quality education, and unifying education systems from early childhood through high school. The LEARNS Act encompasses a wide range of reforms and programs designed to ensure that all children in Arkansas receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future success.

  • The Arkansas LEARNS Act recognizes the critical importance of early childhood education as the foundation for lifelong learning. It includes provisions to support and enhance early childhood programs, ensuring that young children have access to quality care and education.

    By focusing on early childhood, the LEARNS Act aims to create a seamless educational experience that starts from birth, helping children develop the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.

  • A Local Lead Organization is a designated group or entity responsible for coordinating efforts to unify the child care system within a specific geographic area.

    These organizations serve as a bridge between state-level agencies, such as the Office of Early Childhood, and local child care providers. They play a key role in implementing state policies, supporting providers, and ensuring that families’ needs are addressed. Local Leads work to create a cohesive and supportive network for early childhood care and education.

  • The Office of Early Childhood in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Education have selected organizations to represent 65 of the 75 counties in Arkansas. A final cohort will be selected by the fall, which means every county will have a local lead by October 2024.

    Child Care Aware of Northcentral Arkansas has been selected as the Local Lead organization for White, Conway, and Cleburne Counties.

    A list of Local Lead organizations assigned to each county can be found here.

  • The providers are the bedrock of the child care system and are on the front lines of delivering care and education to young children. You have firsthand knowledge and experience of what is needed to ensure the best care for children. Providers' insights can lead to more effective solutions, fostering an environment where children receive the nurturing and education they deserve. Ensuring your voices are heard means creating a higher quality system that works for everyone involved – from caregivers to families. Here’s how you can engage:

    1. Connect: Stay informed about updates and initiatives from the Office of Early Childhood and your Local Lead Organization.

    2. Participate: Attend provider meetings and engage in our process for group decision-making about the Local Plan for early care and education. Speak up when you encounter system barriers or everyday challenges to providing high-quality care.

    3. Collaborate: Work with your Local Lead and other providers to implement the plan and create a unified, high-quality child care system.

  • Community leaders, including local government officials, business leaders, and other stakeholders, play a vital role in supporting the Local Leads initiative. Community leaders can contribute to this initiative by:

    1. Supporting Advocacy: Promote the importance of early childhood education and advocate for policies and resources.

    2. Collaborating: Work with Local Leads and other stakeholders to address local challenges and leverage community resources.

    3. Raising Awareness: Help inform the public and local organizations about the goals and benefits of the Local Leads initiative.

    4. Providing Resources: Offer support, whether financial, logistical, or in-kind, to help enhance early childhood programs.

    Community involvement helps build a strong foundation for the success of early childhood initiatives locally and statewide.

  • The goal of Local Leads is to create a cohesive and effective early childhood care and education system that supports children, families, and providers. This initiative aims to:

    1. Unify the Child Care System: Streamline communication and coordination between state agencies and local providers.

    2. Improve Quality: Enhance the quality of early childhood care and education through professional development, resources, and support.

    3. Support Providers: Provide the necessary tools and resources for providers to succeed and grow.

    4. Engage Communities: Foster collaboration between providers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to address local needs and challenges.

    By achieving these goals, the Local Leads initiative seeks to ensure that every child in Arkansas has access to high-quality early childhood care and education, setting them up for lifelong success.